112 Transactions. 
specimens of this tree on the Great Barrier, and which are probably unsur- 
passed. In the crater, this tree resembles M. robusta in its free and erect 
habit of growth, but on the cliffs it presents the distorted appearance so 
commonly seen about Auckland. The principal trees of large size are the 
Rimu (Daerydium cupressinum) and the Tarairi (Nesodaphne tarairi). 
Amongst smaller trees and shrubs are Dysozylum spectabile, Melicytus rami- 
Jlorus, Corynocarpus levigatus, Dodonea viscosa, Coprosma grandifolia, Panas 
lessonii, P. arborea, Schefflera digitata, Corokia buddleoides, Olearia cunning- 
hamii, Brachyglottis repanda, Geniostoma ligustrifolia, and many others; but 
perhaps the most remarkable is Pisonia umbellifera, a few trees of which 
were found growing amongst young and large-leaved specimens of Coryno- 
carpus levigatus, which it closely resembles in the shape and colour of its 
leaves; and in the absence of its flower and fruit presented an anomalous 
appearance,—" like, yet unlike.” Some of its leaves measured fully eighteen 
inches in length and seven inches in breadth. Jt was subsequently collected 
in a euriously similar habitat on the Little Barrier Island, but was not found 
on the Great Barrier. 
_ The Littoral and Uliginal plants present nothing worthy of special notice, 
nor indeed had we sufficient time to examine them closely. Samolus repens, 
Salicornia indica, Selliera radicans, and others of rupestral habitat, are 
abundant at the base of the cliffs. Amongst the Arenarian plants are 
Coprosma acerosa, Convolvulus soldanella, and Spinifex hirsutus. The last 
named curious grass formed large tufts, with prostrate culms, sometimes 
30 feet or more in length, which throw out roots at the joints, and aid in 
binding the shifting sands. The cultivated radish (Raphanus sativus) is also 
found growing with the above on the sands at the head of the little harbour. 
The Raupo (Typha latifolia var. angustifolia) and other Uliginal plants find 
a suitable habitat, although of limited extent, near the centre of the island. 
The notes just read must be considered as merely a contribution to the 
botany of Arid Island. We venture to express the hope that some member 
of the Institute may visit the island under more favourable circumstances 
than fell to our lot, and be able, at least, to make a complete catalogue of 
its phenogamic plants and ferns; not only on account of the interesting 
nature of the locality, but because of the positive value possessed by an 
exact and minute knowledge of the local distribution of plants, as an 
element in the ultimate circumscription of their specific limits, 
